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Eau Claire County Board adopts proclamations, updates HR leave policy and approves parks grant applications
Summary
The County Board approved proclamations for public health, fair housing and severe weather awareness, amended a fair-housing proclamation, and passed two human resources policy changes and parks planning resolutions. Several votes were unanimous; HR paid‑time‑off changes passed 24–1 after discussion about payout and shift parity.
The Eau Claire County Board voted on March 18 to adopt multiple proclamations, approve updates to human resources policies and authorize parks planning steps that allow the county to pursue state grant funding for trails and recreation.
Board actions at a glance
- National Public Health Week proclamation (April 7, 2025): adopted unanimously (25–0). Motion by Supervisor Schmier; second by Supervisor Leary.
- Fair Housing Week proclamation (April 4–12, 2025): adopted after a textual amendment that removed the phrase “from continuing” from the second whereas clause; amended proclamation adopted unanimously (25–0). Motion by Supervisor Leary; second by Supervisor Meyer; amendment seconded by Supervisor Schneider.
- Severe Weather Awareness Week proclamation (April 2025): adopted unanimously (25–0). Motion by Supervisor Jenkins; second by Supervisor Dunning.
- Resolution amending Human Resources policy 4-25 (paid time off): adopted 24–1. Motion by Supervisor Jenkins; second by Supervisor Leary. Committee explanation and subsequent board discussion focused on how paid-time-off accruals are paid out when an employee leaves and whether the county’s approach aligns with retention and fairness goals.
- Resolution amending Human Resources policy 4-03 (holiday pay): adopted 24–1. Motion by Supervisor Leary; second by Supervisor Dunning. The change aligns holiday pay for employees who work 8-, 10- and 12-hour shifts so that staff are compensated for the number of scheduled hours on a holiday.
- Amendment to the Eau Claire County Outdoor Recreation Plan (2022–2027), to include the Red Flint recreation area: adopted (vote recorded as 24–0). Motion by Supervisor Schrafnagel; second by Supervisor Jenkins. County staff said the Red Flint property was donated to the county and may be valued at up to $1 million; including it in the county outdoor recreation plan preserves eligibility for state and federal grant programs while the donation remains on the books.
- Resolution authorizing the Parks & Forest director to apply to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for financial aid to maintain motorized trails: adopted unanimously (25–0). Motion by Supervisor Russell; second by Supervisor Jenkins. Staff said grant funding available for trail maintenance totals roughly $82,000 for qualifying trails in the county.
How the board debated HR changes
The two HR policy amendments drew the lengthiest discussion. Supervisor Myron, speaking for the Human Resources and Finance Committee, described the paid‑time‑off changes as “cleanup language” to align county practice with state and federal law and to standardize accruals across employee categories. Several supervisors raised concerns about payout rules for employees who leave before a three‑year threshold and asked whether the county’s policy is fair to eight‑hour shift employees versus 10‑ and 12‑hour shift staff.
Supporters said the holiday pay update corrects a prior inconsistency that capped holiday pay for staff working longer shifts. Opponents and some questioners argued that the policy could disadvantage staff in certain schedules and urged management to monitor retention and usage before and after implementation.
Other business and procedural notes
- The board conducted first reading of an ordinance to create section 2.506(c) of the county code establishing an Eau Claire Economic Development Committee (first reading only; no final vote recorded that evening).
- County Administrator Schaff reported several administrative items, including cooperation with the state Government Operations Accountability and Transparency Committee on diversity, equity and inclusion activities, an upcoming County Board Gateway site to replace the current resource page, and a change in quarterly committee narrative reporting to mid‑year and annual schedules unless monthly reporting is warranted by budget mitigation needs.
- The board held a strategic planning facilitation session (World Café format) during the meeting; facilitators said notes will be consolidated and reviewed with department heads and committees.
Ending and next steps
Supervisors were reminded about county and regional activities, including an April 22 Chippewa Valley rally and the April 1 election. The board adjourned after completing the listed votes.
